Once a blog post is written and posted that doesn’t have to mean the end. Sometimes there are some posts that are so good they deserve to be reposted and shared again. Here are some top tips on making the most of your old posts.

Updating the imagery

By adding fresh images, the blog post gets a face lift and new pictures can attract readers that have not seen the post last time. Professional looking photos (often taken on an SLR camera and reworked in Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom) have become increasingly popular if you want your blog to the next level. If you cannot afford this yet then it may be worth looking for photos with Creative Commons Zero Licences. A good place to start looking for Creative Commons Zero Licence images is here. Additionally do not forget to share and pin your updated images!

Take advantage of the seasons/ themes

Got a fantastic summer cocktail recipe? Take advantage of different times or events in the year to help boost those reader numbers. This is because you are reaching those readers that are interested in the topic; no one wants to read about summer cocktail recipes in October.

Opinion changed?

New experiences, time or even a change in law can date blog posts very quickly. Hence less people will click or stay on a page that is dated. Make sure you update those posts with the latest information or write a separate blog post about why your mind has changed and repackage it with new imagery. Your viewers will see that your site is updated but also that you are human and that your opinion can change.

Take part in relevant conversations on social media

Perfect if you have a section of your blog you want to target more, spotting relevant time slots on Twitter could gain you followers as you are directly hitting the market you need. For example if your upcoming wedding is high on your blog post priorities there is an opportunity to get involved in the Twitter conversation #weddinghour. Similar conversations happen on a daily basis so research your topics and schedule yourself to get involved at the relevant times. ‘The Design That Fits’ website has listed all of the hashtags conversations in the UK here.

Linking back from newer posts

Linking back to your older previous posts adds more depth to your current post whilst providing a great opportunity to retain that viewer for longer on your blog, therefore improving your referral, bounce rate and traffic.

Add a relegated article widget or plugin on your site

Most blogs already do this but if you haven’t it is a simple way to keep users on your site longer as it appeals to those who are browsing. If you can add a widget that customises to bring up relevant articles even better as you are attracting those that already have an interest. Here’s an excellent related post plugin if you use WordPress

Guest writing a post, Link back!

If you are lucky enough to be guest writing a post, link back if appropriate. Similar to above, it shows readers that you know much more about certain aspects of the post. You are also open to a readership that may not have known your blog existed.

Finally the newsletter

If your readers subscribe to newsletters from your blog, you could use this to link your old posts in the newsletter. New people subscribe to newsletters all the time so it’s worth assuming that not everyone who has subscribed knows all your posts, especially if you have put a new spin on them!

Guest blog post by:

Rebecca Merchant, a lifestyle bloggers www.becbec.uk and Marketing and Communications Assistant in the West Midlands.

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